“Minister Chombo pushed for this inclusion in Cabinet, and continues to push for it across all legislation appointing boards,” Tshere says. As a result, the National Research and Innovation Council will permanently reserve two seats for youth under the age of 35. Crucially, this is not a discretionary gesture that could be quietly reversed: the tenure of these youth seats is secured by law. By anchoring youth seats in law rather than convention, this reform insulates youth participation from shifting political will or administrative discretion. The Battle ContinuesFor Minister Chombo, the National Research and Innovation Council is not the finish line but a proof of concept.